The answer is to enable forced parameterization for the database. This is correct because forced parameterization converts all literal values in T‑SQL queries into parameters, allowing SQL Server to reuse cached execution plans across different parameter values. By eliminating frequent recompilations caused by parameter sniffing, this approach directly reduces CPU usage from high compile time without requiring any changes to the existing T‑SQL code. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP‑300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of plan cache management and the trade‑offs between parameter sniffing and plan reuse. A common trap is to recommend query hints like OPTION (RECOMPILE) or OPTIMIZE FOR UNKNOWN, but those either increase CPU load or require code changes. Remember the memory tip: “Force the parameter, not the recompile”—forced parameterization lets the engine treat literals like parameters, smoothing out plan variability and cutting CPU spikes.
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company has an Azure SQL Managed Instance that is experiencing high CPU usage. The DBA observes that a specific query is causing high compile time due to parameter sniffing. The query is executed frequently with varying parameter values. Which approach should the DBA use to reduce CPU usage without changing the T-SQL code?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable forced parameterization for the database
Forced parameterization (Option D) converts literal values in the query to parameters, allowing SQL Server to reuse cached execution plans across different parameter values. This reduces CPU usage by eliminating frequent recompilations caused by parameter sniffing, without requiring any changes to the T-SQL code itself.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create a plan guide to force a specific plan
Why it's wrong here
Plan guides require modifying the query or creating an object, which is changing T-SQL.
✗
Use optimize for ad hoc workloads
Why it's wrong here
This reduces plan cache bloat but doesn't address parameter sniffing.
✗
Add query store and force the last good plan
Why it's wrong here
Query store doesn't prevent parameter sniffing; it only captures plans.
✓
Enable forced parameterization for the database
Why this is correct
Forced parameterization treats literals as parameters, reducing recompilations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'forced parameterization' with 'plan guides' or 'Query Store forcing,' not realizing that forced parameterization directly reduces compile time by enabling plan reuse, while the other options only manage plan selection without addressing the root cause of frequent recompilations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Forced parameterization works by treating literal constants in T-SQL as parameters, enabling plan reuse across different values. Under the hood, SQL Server creates a parameterized template of the query and caches the plan; subsequent executions with different literals are automatically parameterized and matched to the cached plan, avoiding recompilation. This is particularly effective for OLTP workloads with many similar queries differing only in constants, as it reduces CPU cycles spent on compilation and optimization.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable forced parameterization for the database — Forced parameterization (Option D) converts literal values in the query to parameters, allowing SQL Server to reuse cached execution plans across different parameter values. This reduces CPU usage by eliminating frequent recompilations caused by parameter sniffing, without requiring any changes to the T-SQL code itself.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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